KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Senzo Mchunu has condemned the shooting of community members during a meeting in Kandokweni Sports Ground, Freadville in Inchanga yesterday.
“I want to commend the police for moving with speed to ensure the safety of the community and for instituting an investigation in order to bring perpetrators of this cowardly act to book.”
According to the police, three men who were found in possession of firearms have been taken for questioning. A vehicle used by the alleged perpetrators has also been seized for forensic analysis.
“We all remember that we are coming from an ugly past where there was black-on-black violence. As the province we cannot afford to have the re-emergence of the murders and violence in any part of this province. It is this reason that I am requesting communities to inform police when they are holding meetings to prevent any loss of life.
“As government we do acknowledge the fact that many lives were lost and that many families were ripped apart in many townships because of violence. We must also acknowledge that the trauma is still visible and it will take many years of hard work and prayers to heal the wounds of those who were affected in the 90s when violence escalated.”
“Despite all these challenges the people of this province have shown that it is possible to create a better future characterized by peace and mutual respect for one another. Since early 2000, KZN has been a model of peace and stability. We have all seen community leaders and neighbours working together to speed up development.”
“This follows the launch of the United Front Against Crime led by MEC for Community Safety MEC Willies Mchunu. Since the launch, members of communities including Community Policing Forums have come forward to pledge support and to work with government to fight all forms of crime and violence.”
“Crime and violence results in the deprivation of the rights and dignity of citizens and poses a threat to their rightful participation in the reconstruction and redevelopment of this province. The rights and freedoms, which the constitution entrenches, are threatened every time each citizen becomes a victim of crime.”
“We must therefore work together to stop any re-emergence of violence. As part of efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability ahead of local government elections, I will be personally visiting community leaders across the province and in all hotspots to promote tolerance.”
Contact:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson for the Premier
Cell: 082 375 4742
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison
Cell: 079 751 6108
Jay Naicker
Alternatively SAPS Spokesperson
Cell: 082 556 7865
